For parents
Kids tennis racquet sizes and junior tennis at home
A plain-English guide for Australian parents: which racquet size fits your child (height is the best guide), which ball and court suit their age under Tennis Australia's Hot Shots stages, and the simple gear you need to practise at home.
Which racquet size?
| Age | Height | Racquet length |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 yrs | Up to 100 cm | 17–19" |
| 5–6 yrs | 101–113 cm | 21" |
| 7–8 yrs | 114–126 cm | 23" |
| 9–10 yrs | 127–141 cm | 25" |
| 11+ yrs | 142–158 cm | 26" |
Height is usually the best guide.
Quick fitting test: have your child stand straight with the racquet head resting on the ground beside them. Their hand should comfortably reach the end of the handle without bending the arm.
Which ball and court?
| Stage | Ages | Ball | Court | Racquet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 3–5+ | Red ball (25% compression) | Large flat open space | 17–19" |
| Red | 5–8+ | Red ball (25% compression) | Modified court | 19–23" |
| Orange | 8–10+ | Orange ball (50% compression) | Modified court | 23–25" |
| Green | 10+ | Green ball (75% compression) | Up to full court | 25–27" |
Check whether your local tennis club runs a Hot Shots program — it's a great way for kids to play with others at the right level.
Source: Tennis Australia Hot Shots
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Junior tennis racquet 21"
Junior tennis racquet 23"
Junior tennis racquet 25"
Red, orange and green transition balls
Junior mini tennis net
Training program
Junior Tennis at Home
A 4-week, parent-led program for ages 5–10. Short sessions you can run in a backyard, driveway or park — no court or coaching experience needed.
See training programsParents' questions
What size racquet does a 6-year-old need?
Most 5–6 year olds (about 101–113 cm tall) use a 21" racquet. Height is usually the best guide, so measure your child rather than going by age alone.
When should my child move from red to orange ball?
Tennis Australia's Hot Shots program moves children from red to orange ball at around 8 years old. Move up when they can rally consistently on the red court, not just by birthday.
Can kids learn tennis at home without a court?
Yes. The Blue stage of Hot Shots uses a large, flat open space with low-compression red balls, so a driveway, backyard or park works well for early skills like rallying, catching and throwing.
How often should kids practise tennis?
Short, regular, fun sessions work best for young children. A couple of 20–30 minute sessions a week at home, plus a local Hot Shots class if available, is a sensible start.
Is a junior racquet worth it, or can I cut down an adult racquet?
A junior racquet is worth it. Cutting down an adult racquet shortens it but leaves it heavy and badly balanced. Junior racquets are made lighter and sized to your child's height.